Pack Expo International 2026 will feature more than 150 free education sessions covering packaging sustainability, automation, supply chains, operational efficiency and food safety.
The event will run from 18–21 October at McCormick Place in Chicago, with education delivered across five show-floor destinations: the Innovation Stage, Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks, Sustainability Central and the Reusable Packaging Learning Center.
The Innovation Stage will host 30-minute sessions covering topics including industrial operations, AI-driven planning and end-of-line automation. Sessions include Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Volatility with AI-Driven Planning and From Labor Shortages to Line Stability: End-of-Line Automation Strategies for Manufacturers.
Industry Speaks will cover issues including sustainability, remote access, supply chain solutions, augmented reality and operational efficiency. Speakers will include representatives from companies including Amazon and Conagra Brands.
Sustainability Central, presented by Packaging World and sponsored by EFP Engineered Foam Packaging, will focus on packaging sustainability. Topics include future packaging, reducing environmental impacts and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
The Reusable Packaging Learning Center, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, will examine reusable packaging systems and their role in supply chains. Sessions will cover circular systems, automated supply chains and the use of reusables in pharmaceutical packaging.
The Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage will focus on food safety, high-pressure pasteurisation, cleaning, sustainability and processing. Sessions include The Proven Playbook to Protein Production, Food Safe Facility Drainage Design and Why Great Robotic Automation Begins with Great Vision.
“Pack Expo International gives attendees a unique opportunity to see the latest technologies in action while learning directly from the experts driving our industry forward,” said Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI.
“With more than 150 free sessions taking place right on the show floor, attendees can gain practical insights on the trends and challenges impacting their businesses today and walk away with ideas they can put into action.”
The event is expected to attract 48,000 attendees from more than 40 vertical markets, with more than 2,700 exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet of exhibition space.
Sessions aimed at small and medium-sized businesses will carry an SMB Friendly logo, while sustainability-focused sessions will be marked with the Pack Expo Green logo.
For more information and to register, click here.
